The Toronto Blue Jays and Jose Bautista’s representatives are currently engaged in “active contract discussions” according to a report from Jon Morosi.
Recent reports have indicated that Bautista is willing to entertain a one-year offer if it is above the 2016 qualifying offer rate of $17.2 million, but given the draft pick attached to his name, that number would still be difficult for many teams to stomach.
This remains a factor for the Blue Jays, too, who would forfeit the opportunity to receive a compensation pick should they re-sign Bautista.
Granted, such a move also has benefits on and off the field for the Blue Jays.